POLICE have released an e-fit picture of a man they want to question in connection with an armed robbery at Wheelock Post Office.

Postmistress Janet Chesters, 47, was punched in the face and threatened with a knife during the attack which took place in the Crewe Road branch at 8.35am on Friday, February 29.

A police spokeswoman said: “She opened the rear door to a man who talked his way into the building. He then punched the woman in the face and threatened her with a bladed weapon before taking a substantial amount of cash and leaving through the back door.

“Police carried out door to door enquiries and searched the area.”

The attacker is described as Asian, 5ft 7ins, in his late 30s, of medium build, had short dark hair and clean shaven.

He spoke with a Birmingham or West Midlands accent and was wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and dark tie.

Mrs Chesters was left shaken by the attack.

Shocked neighbouring business owners described the attack as “horrific” and have called for shopkeepers to be vigilant.

Liz Bradfield, of Liz’s Plaice fish and chip shop, said: “The people committing these horrible crimes are not from around here and because we are in a rural area near to the M6 motorway we are a prime target.

“We are all vulnerable but we must work together to keep ourselves and our livelihoods safe.”